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lucas chap 02 11/20/02 11:37 AM Page 47
Lighting the Creativity Lamp 47
you will read about in this chapter. Creativity is more about strategy and technique than
ability. By using tools such as those covered in this chapter, you will be able to add a
spark to your own creativity and that of your participants.

PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY

To get a better idea of strategies that you can use to increase your own creativity and that of your learners,
answer the following questions. You might also want to ask others to respond to the questions and
compile their responses.
What are some of the general characteristics of people whom you consider to be creative (e.g., good
organizers or problem solvers)?

What creative techniques do you use or know of that can increase the number of answers or options
identified during problem-solving or in addressing an issue (e.g., brainstorming)?

IDENTIFYING CREATIVITY

Many trainers and facilitators often face a challenge in identifying and implementing new
training techniques and strategies. They either do not expend the effort or do not know
how to examine things from differing perspectives—to think outside the box. Tradition
and status quo often dictate their training design and delivery efforts. They approach the
learning environment with the same tools, content, activities, and techniques each time
they conduct a session, usually because of their comfort level with the normal way of
doing things. It also does not require much thought or any additional design, planning,
or rehearsal time. For whatever reason, approaching training in this manner can lead to
complacency or boredom on the part of the trainer. Ultimately, there is also a disservice
to participants who experience delivery of a program by a less than enthusiastic leader.
You can increase your own effectiveness by remaining committed continually to
improving your content and enhancing your delivery style. Simply by taking the time
to evaluate the format and content of your sessions periodically you can add a spark.
Something as simple as using a different icebreaker activity or using random techniques
for identifying small group leaders and scribes (see Chapter 6) can energize you and
your group.
To get to a point where you are not afraid to use creative approaches in your training,
you must first learn what creativity is. Creativity in training essentially involves looking
at program topics, content, and delivery objectively, then searching for alternative ways
to present key elements and, if necessary, modify them or your approach to them.